Syrian Arab News Agency:

My question is, what has China's diplomacy accomplished over the past decade? How is China's version of major-country diplomacy different from the big countries in the West? What makes it unique? Thank you.

Ma Zhaoxu:

I will take your questions. In the past decade of the new era, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has led major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics to forge ahead and overcome difficulties. It has achieved all-around and groundbreaking historic achievements.

First, the Party's centralized and unified leadership over external work has been comprehensively strengthened. The CPC Central Committee has enhanced top-level design and strategic planning for external work. An architecture of great coordination with the Party providing overall leadership and coordinating the efforts of all sides has been consolidated. The external work system and mechanism have also been further improved.

Second, the all-around, multi-level, three-dimensional diplomatic layout has been increasingly improved. In the past decade of the new era, the total number of countries that have established diplomatic relations with China has increased from 172 to 181, and the number of partnerships with countries and regional organizations around the world has increased from 41 to 113. We have promoted the establishment of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. We have proposed that China-U.S. relations should follow the right approach of the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. We have advocated the China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization. In particular, we have consolidated strategic support from neighboring countries, and embraced unity and closer cooperation with other developing countries. 

Third, China's national sovereignty, security and development interests have been vigorously safeguarded. Facing external containment, suppression and unreasonable interference, we have launched a tit-for-tat, firm and powerful struggle, and established diplomatic relations with nine countries that formerly had so-called "diplomatic ties" with the country's Taiwan region. As a result, the one-China principle has become more consolidated within the international community. We have effectively deterred outside interference in Hong Kong affairs. We have also continuously thwarted anti-China forces from attacking and tarnishing China, defending national interests and dignity. 

Fourth, China's international influence, appeal and power to shape have risen markedly. As a staunch supporter of multilateralism, we have participated in global governance with unprecedented breadth, depth and intensity. China has hosted many spectacular diplomatic events and offered solutions which have drawn worldwide attention. China's image as a responsible major country has been increasingly recognized by the international community.

Fifth, China's diplomacy has effectively and efficiently served national economic and social development. China has signed 19 free trade agreements with 26 nations and regions and advanced the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. As many as 149 countries and 32 international organizations have participated in the BRI, with solid progress in many landmark projects, such as the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway. Great efforts have been made to build a strong defense against possible imported COVID-19 cases. We have held global promotion activities for more than 20 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. We always safeguard the interests of overseas Chinese.

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, we have opened up a new path of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Upholding the Party's leadership is the fundamental guidance for China's diplomacy; putting the people first is the source of strength of China's diplomacy; staying independent is a fine tradition of China's diplomacy; maintaining a global vision is the original aspiration of China's diplomacy; pursuing equity and justice is a persistent pursuit of China's diplomacy; and standing up for ourselves is a distinctive character of China's diplomacy. Thank you.